SIPOC

I am working on creating a SIPOC for a LSS project. I'm confused about the "Process" section of the SIPOC. What process am I supposed to be describing? I am working on an energy efficiency project. Is the process about how energy inefficiency is determined? Is the process about how energy is currently being used? Is the process about what I'm planning to do with my project? I took a class about this, and I have a book about it, but I am still confused. SOS! Will you please help me understand?

I am an LSS MBB. The first thing to remember about a SIPOC is that is primarily a scoping tool. It does this in two ways. The first way to understand who (suppliers and customers) and what (inputs and outputs) are in scope. The second way is to understand how much of the process is in scope. It is rarely the entire process but will be a portion of the process, so you must identify the start/stop operational steps.

Regarding your question, it is the process that you plan to improve with your project. Without more details on your problem statement, I cannot speculate as to the process. Note that it is already accomplishing part of its purpose by forcing you to understand what the process actually is.

SIPOC is typically high level

I generally go through the process steps first. Quick Ex. Buying a Car process (I am aware we can go way more broad)

Apply for loan > Pick out Car > Complete Dealer Paperwork > Purchase Insurance > Receipt of Vehicle

These steps go down your "P" or Process swimlane of map,

Then work your way outwards.

Many of your Suppliers and Customers may/will have repeats

In this example your top row may be

S I P O C
Consumer Loan paperwork Apply for loan Loan Approval Dealer